Subject: Passing of Retired District Chief Edward John Butler

Sadly, we were informed of the passing of Retired District Chief Edward John Butler at the age of 71.

Ed Butler was hired on April 25, 1976, was promoted to Captain on February 1st, 1994, and then to District Chief on May 19th, 2008, retiring on February 28th, 2011 on Car 42 C platoon after 35 years of service.

The following was sent to us by his son Mathew and will be posted on the Glen Oaks Funeral Home site here soon.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Edward “Ed” John Butler after a prolonged battle with lung disease. He passed peacefully in Oakville on July 31st, 2022, and is survived by his cherished wife, Dale, and son, Matthew (Sarina).

Ed was born in Toronto in April 1951 and spent over 35 years as a firefighter for the City of Etobicoke and Toronto beginning in February 1976. He was passionate about his work and loved his job dearly. So much so, that Matt grew up thinking all adults loved their job.

Ed was promoted to Captain in February 1994 and later became District Chief in May 2008. He was proud of the work he did, the people he served and was well loved and respected by his brothers, mentors, and friends.

Ed was a family man. He was a loving husband and devoted father spending his free time taking road trips with the family out West and East, taking the family to the cottage, and attending all of Matt’s sporting events. With his schedule as a firefighter, Ed was also a regular parent volunteer at school, joining many school trips and spending quality time with Matt.

For anyone that knew Ed, they knew him as a true gentleman with a kind soul, willing to offer a helping hand at a moment’s notice. He was so handy in fact, he often was solicited by strangers to also do their handy work after helping a friend! But nothing brought more joy to Ed than being able to help those that he cared and loved.

When Ed wasn’t helping a friend, he was there to regal you with his endless stories from his years of firefighting. And what a talented storyteller he was. For those that had the privilege of hearing a story, they know that it entailed hilarious anecdotes and was nothing short of entertaining and endearing.

After his 35 years of service, Ed retired, and with Dale in hand, spent their winter months in Florida for over 10 years. There, Ed spent some of his happiest days being able to enjoy one of his favourite past times, golfing. Nothing brought him more joy than being able to spend time golfing with his dear friends, sharing stories, beers, and a few laughs.

Ed lived a full life and even so, he will be dearly missed. If interested in honouring Ed, donations can be made to the Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (https://cpff.ca/get-involved/donate/) or the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation (https://www.cfff.ca/EN/donations.html).

We would also like to express our heartfelt thanks to the staff at the Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital ICU for their outstanding compassion and care of Ed.

Our condolences to Retired District Chief Edward Butler’s family, friends, and co-workers.

Rest in peace Brother!

In Solidarity,

Gerlando Peritore
Chair, Ceremonial and Bereavement Committee
Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association
I.A.F.F. Local 3888